10 Practical Ways to Save Money While On Vacation: A Parent’s Guide

Vacations are the best, aren’t they? A chance to unwind, make memories, and escape the daily grind. But let’s be real—vacations can also get expensive. Between flights, accommodations, meals, and activities, the costs can add up quickly. If you’re looking for ways to save money while on vacation, I’ve got you covered.

As a parent who loves to travel, I’ve learned a thing or two about sticking to a budget while still having an amazing trip. You don’t need to sacrifice fun or comfort to save money. With some smart planning and a little creativity, you can create incredible memories without breaking the bank. Here’s how my family and I do it:

1. Travel Off-Season for Major Savings

One of the easiest ways to save is by traveling during the off-season or “shoulder season”—the time just before or after peak travel times. This means cheaper flights, discounted hotels, and way fewer crowds. My family went to Maui after spring break one year, and it was bliss. We had quiet beaches, no long lines at restaurants, and plenty of deals on accommodations.

For Europe, try visiting in September after the summer rush. For tropical destinations like Hawaii or the Caribbean, late April or early May is perfect. Not only do you save money, but the weather is still great.

2. Use Travel Websites and Apps to Find Deals

I can’t emphasize this enough—travel websites are your best friends. Tools like Expedia, Kayak, and Hopper make it easy to compare prices and find the best deals. I personally love using Strollers & Suitcases’ travel search system for family-friendly options.

Pro tip: Turn on price alerts to get notified when flights or hotels drop in price. Our site has amazing deals on vacation flights, activities, and hotels,  but always read the fine print to avoid surprises.

3. Consider All-Inclusive Resorts

If you’re traveling with kids, all-inclusive resorts can save you a lot of money (and stress). My family stayed at an all-inclusive resort in Cancun, and it was worth every penny. Everything—food, drinks, activities—was included. We didn’t have to worry about surprise expenses, and the kids were thrilled with the endless buffets and kids’ club.

Look for family-friendly resorts with discounts for children or free stays for younger kids. It’s a great way to keep everyone happy while staying on budget.

4. Rent a Vacation Home or Apartment

Hotels are great, but vacation rentals can offer more value, especially for families. Renting a house or apartment through Airbnb or Vrbo often costs less than booking multiple hotel rooms. Plus, you get the added bonus of a kitchen, which means big savings on meals.

We rented a house with a pool in Palm Springs once, and it was amazing. We cooked breakfast every morning, had BBQs by the pool, and saved a ton of money compared to eating out every day. When searching, look for properties with family-friendly amenities like cribs, high chairs, or toys to make your stay even easier.

5. Stay Close to Home with a Staycation or Road Trip

You don’t have to travel far to have a great vacation. Some of our favorite trips have been close-to-home adventures. We’ve done weekend road trips to nearby towns, explored state parks, and even spent a weekend in Santa Barbara visiting the zoo and the beach.

One summer, we even did a backyard camping trip with a tent, s’mores, and storytelling under the stars. It was super fun for the kids and didn’t cost us much at all.

6. Skip Overpriced Tourist Traps

Sure, famous landmarks can be fun, but they’re often crowded and overpriced. Instead, ask locals for their favorite spots. When we visited New York, a barista recommended a hidden park with breathtaking skyline views—completely free and way less crowded than the big attractions.

Yelp, TripAdvisor, and Google Maps are also great tools for finding unique, affordable experiences that aren’t packed with tourists.

7. Plan Ahead and Stay Flexible

Planning ahead is key to saving money. Booking flights, accommodations, and activities early often gets you the best deals. For example, we saved hundreds on our Hawaii trip by booking flights months in advance.

Flexibility with your travel dates can also make a huge difference. Flying mid-week or during off-peak hours is usually cheaper than weekends. Use tools like Google Flights’ calendar view to find the cheapest dates to fly.

8. Use Public Transportation or Walk

Skip the rental car in big cities and use public transportation instead. My family saved a lot in Chicago by buying a family day pass for the subway. Many cities also offer affordable bike rentals or free walking tours, which are a great way to explore while saving money.

In smaller towns or beach destinations, walking is often the best way to soak up the local atmosphere. It’s free, it’s good for you, and it’s a great way to discover hidden gems.

9. Pack Light to Avoid Extra Fees

Baggage fees can quickly eat into your travel budget, so pack light and smart. Stick to versatile clothes you can mix and match, and bring travel-sized toiletries.

If you’re traveling with kids, pack snacks, toys, and entertainment to avoid buying overpriced items at airports or tourist attractions. Also, check if your accommodation provides essentials like cribs, high chairs, or strollers to save space.

10. Take Advantage of Free or Low-Cost Activities

Every destination has free or budget-friendly activities if you know where to look. Public parks, beaches, local markets, and free museum days are just a few options.

Before you travel, research events or activities happening in the area. Festivals, street fairs, and outdoor concerts can offer hours of entertainment without costing a fortune.

Saving Money on Vacation Is Totally Doable

With these ways to save money while on holiday, you can enjoy incredible experiences without overspending. Vacations don’t have to be extravagant to be meaningful—they just need a little planning and creativity.

So, what are your favorite budget-friendly travel tips? Share them in the comments! And if you’re looking for more ideas, check out Strollers & Suitcases for travel deals, tips, and inspiration.

Start planning your dream vacation today—your wallet will thank you!